Reading has become one of my favorite daily routines. I usually read about 20 to 50 pages a day, which takes me around 30 to 50 minutes, depending on how distracted I get (you know how it is when your phone suddenly becomes the most interesting thing in the world). On average, I spend about 45 minutes reading every day.
But I wasn’t always like this. A few years ago, I had a passion for reading but found it hard to sit still for even 30 minutes. I’d start books but never finish them. It wasn’t until I was in university that a friend handed me a book called You Can by Shiv Khera. That book changed everything for me. It’s a typical personal development book (and to be honest, I’m not really into motivational books anymore), but it was the spark that got me hooked on reading.
Since then, reading has shaped who I am today. It’s changed how I think, how I approach problems, and how I see the world. Books have given me new perspectives and introduced me to life stories of people from all walks of life. I’ve even felt a personal connection with some, especially when reading biographies.
If you’re struggling to finish books you’ve started, or you’re not sure which ones to dive into first, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Picking the right books is key. The wrong ones can make you want to quit, but the right ones can make you love reading. So, let’s jump into this article together. We’ll talk about how you can make reading a daily habit and why it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself.
The Power of Books
Mental and Cognitive Benefits
You know how they say reading makes you smarter? Well, it’s true, books are like brain fuel. Think of your brain as a muscle (yeah, it’s a big deal), and reading is its daily workout. Just like hitting the gym helps you get stronger, reading helps your brain process information faster, understand complex ideas, and even improves your memory.
For example, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is not just about making money (though that’s cool too), it’s about training your mind to focus on your goals. Reading something like this can literally rewire the way you approach challenges. Not bad for a book that’s older than your grandparents, right?
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Let’s be real, life can be stressful. Whether it’s school, friends, or trying to remember where you left your phone (again), books are a great escape. When you dive into a good book, your brain gets a mini vacation from all the stress. Research even shows that reading can lower your stress levels. It’s like a mental spa, but cheaper.
Take It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, for example. If you love drama and fiction, this book is like an emotional rollercoaster. It helps you experience different feelings and situations, and believe me, by the end, you might be crying, laughing, or just in shock, but all in a good way. And it’s a great reminder that not all drama has to be from real life.
Books as Tools for Personal Growth
Books are more than just words on a page, they can totally change how you see the world. Personal growth? Yep, books have you covered there too. Take How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Want to be more confident, make new friends, or get better at talking to people without awkward silences? This book will give you tips to help you shine, whether you’re meeting new people at school or chatting with your teacher.
Or maybe you’re more into understanding what makes life meaningful. That’s where Ikigai comes in. It’s all about finding your purpose and living a happy, balanced life. It’s the kind of book that makes you rethink your habits and goals without being too preachy about it.
Why Developing a Daily Reading Habit is Important
Consistency Leads to Growth
Okay, let’s be honest. We all know that one person who says they want to read more, but never actually picks up a book. (If that’s you, no worries, we’ve all been there!) But here’s the thing: if you want to get better at anything, like playing a sport or learning a new skill, you have to practice, right? The same goes for reading.
For example, if you’re into self-help or business, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (the guy who created Nike) is one book that will keep you turning the pages. It’s full of stories about success, failure, and everything in between. And once you start reading every day, even if it’s just 10 pages, you’ll find that you not only finish books faster but also grow in ways you didn’t expect.
Long-Term Benefits of Daily Reading
Now, let’s talk long-term. Imagine reading a book every month for the next year. That’s 12 books! After a year, you’ll have learned so much—about yourself, the world, and how to handle different situations. The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is a great example of a book that can change your outlook over time. It’s all about training yourself to focus on the positive things in life, no matter how tough things get. Read a little every day, and soon you’ll find yourself dealing with stress or negativity like a pro.
How to Make Reading Books a Daily Habit
Set Clear and Achievable Goals
The key to sticking with reading is to start small. Don’t pressure yourself to finish War and Peace in a week (seriously, that’s like 1,200 pages). Instead, set a goal that works for you. Try reading 10 pages a day or maybe 20 minutes before bed. Even reading during your lunch break can make a difference.
If you’re just starting out and want to build a habit, pick up something exciting and easy to follow. If fiction is your thing, novels like It Ends with Us are a perfect starting point. But if you’re more into non-fiction, books like Ikigai or Shoe Dog will pull you in without feeling like homework.
Create a Reading Schedule
Ever notice how it’s easier to stick to something when you do it at the same time every day? Try setting aside a specific time to read, like right after breakfast or before bed. You don’t have to dedicate hours, just 15 or 20 minutes of uninterrupted reading is enough to get into the habit.
And here’s a pro tip: attach your reading time to something you already do. If you always have your morning coffee, make that your reading time. Trust me, coffee and books are best friends.
Choose the Right Books
This might be the most important part, choose books that interest you. If you’re bored, you’ll quit. It’s like trying to watch a movie you hate, why bother? So, find something that excites you.
If you love fiction and drama, dive into books like It Ends with Us or The Fault in Our Stars. If personal development is more your thing, try Think and Grow Rich or The Power of Positive Thinking. These books are not just entertaining, they’ll also give you practical tips for life.
Whatever you do, pick books that you actually enjoy. The more you enjoy it, the more likely you’ll be to stick with reading daily.
Create a Comfortable Reading Environment
You don’t need a fancy library with leather chairs to enjoy reading (though, how cool would that be?). Just find a cozy spot where you can relax. Maybe it’s your bed, a comfy chair, or even a sunny spot outside. The key is to have a place where you can focus without distractions. Turn off your phone or put it in another room if you have to.
Overcoming Common Challenges to Reading Daily
Time Management
“I don’t have time to read!” Sound familiar? We’ve all said it. But guess what? If you have time to scroll through social media or binge-watch your favorite TV show, you have time to read. Try replacing just one episode of Netflix with 20 minutes of reading. You’ll be surprised how much you can get through. Audiobooks are great too, listen while you’re on the bus, walking, or doing chores.
Dealing with Distractions
Distractions are the enemy of reading. Whether it’s your phone, TV, or just random thoughts popping into your head, it can be tough to focus. To beat distractions, create a reading zone. Let your family or friends know when it’s your reading time, so you won’t be interrupted. And if your phone is too tempting, use it to your advantage by setting a 20-minute timer. Once the timer’s up, you’ll feel great knowing you’ve stuck to your reading goal.
Maintaining Motivation
Finally, how do you stay motivated to read every day? Easy, pick books that excite you! Plus, joining a book club or reading group can give you that extra push. It’s like having a workout buddy, but for your brain. When you share what you’re reading with others, you’ll be more likely to keep going. Or try setting small goals, like finishing one book a month, and reward yourself when you reach them. Maybe treat yourself to a new book or a snack, whatever keeps you going.
At the end of the day, making reading a daily habit isn’t as hard as it seems. It all starts with choosing the right books, ones that excite you and keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re diving into an intense drama like It Ends with Us or learning life lessons from How to Win Friends and Influence People, the key is to start small and be consistent.
Books aren’t just a way to pass the time; they’re tools that can help you grow, expand your mind, and even change how you see the world. So, whether you’re reading 10 pages a day or an hour before bed, you’re doing something amazing for yourself. Plus, who knows, one day you might find yourself recommending a life-changing book to a friend, just like someone did for me.
So, grab that book you’ve been eyeing, get comfy, and start reading today. Trust me, it’s one habit you’ll never regret.
